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Last time met: Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 311 yards with three touchdowns in a 48-22 victory over the Eagles on Sept. 20, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field. The 48 points were the second-most allowed by the Eagles during coach Andy Reid's tenure and the most allowed in Philadelphia since 1962. Quarterback Kevin Kolb, making his first career start in place of an injured Donovan McNabb, threw for 391 yards with two TDs and three interceptions.

Eagles' best-case scenario: The Eagles end their slump and get to .500 at the midway point of their season. Quarterback Michael Vick justifies Reid's faith and exploits a porous Saints secondary by throwing for 300 yards and three TDs with no interceptions. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson catches two of the TD passes. Defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole each get a sack against Brees.

Eagles' worst-case scenario: The Eagles can't get out of their funk and suffer their fourth straight loss. Vick fumbles twice while trying to scramble for extra yardage. The Saints' defense keeps Eagles running back LeSean McCoy in check. Brees throws for 400 yards and four touchdowns.

Keep an eye on: Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (No. 80). He is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He is fifth among NFC tight ends with 30 receptions for 315 yards and has scored four touchdowns.

Notable numbers: Eagles lead series 16-11 and have won seven of past 10 meetings. ... Eagles are 8-4 in the Superdome. ... Eagles are 13-8 on "Monday Night Football" under Reid and are 3-1 in their last four appearances. ... Saints are 0-1 under interim coach Joe Vitt, who is replacing suspended Sean Payton. ... Saints have the league's worst-ranked defense, allowing 474.7 yards per game.

Assessing the offenses

Eagles: Vick did not make any mistakes against the Falcons, but the offense continues to struggle to score points. The unit has scored fewer than 20 in all but two games. Big plays have been almost non-existent. McCoy is 15th in the NFL in rushing with 504 yards but has been contained the last three games. Dennis Kelly will start at right guard in place of injured Danny Watkins (sprained ankle). The offensive line has been a problem.

Saints: The Saints are coming off their worst offensive performance. Denver held Brees and company to just 14 points last week. The Saints had scored at least 24 in each of their first six games. Versatile running back/returner Darren Sproles will not play. They don't have much of a running game, but Graham and wide receiver Marques Colston are talented receivers. Brees' 2,310 passing yards lead the NFC.

EDGE TO SAINTS

Assessing the defenses

Eagles: They were awful in their first game under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. They had two sacks against the Falcons, but Babin and Cole were shut out yet again. Defensive tackle Mike Patterson will make his season debut. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has been inconsistent all season. They forced one turnover in the last three games.

Saints: They have been awful under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. They rank last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (474.7) and have allowed 24 or more points in every game. Defensive end Junior Galette has four of the team's 13 sacks. The Saints' three interceptions are tied for fewest in the NFC. Ex-Eagles defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley has 11 tackles and a half-sack.

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Assessing the coaches

Eagles: Reid is really feeling the pressure to turn things around.

Saints: Vitt was the Eagles' linebackers coach from 1995-98.

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Intangibles

Eagles: They held a players-only meeting to discuss their troubles.

Saints: They really miss Payton, who must sit out the entire season.

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Other views

Katherine Terrell,

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he's never quite been in a situation like this. With the defense on a collision course to allow the most yards in NFL history, not many defensive coordinators have. The defense may be putting up historically bad numbers, but Spagnuolo said changing everything at this point in the season isn't going to help."

Key matchup

Colston (12) vs. Asomugha (24). Colston is Brees' favorite receiver. He leads the Saints with 40 receptions for 580 yards and is tied for third in the NFC with five TD receptions. Asomugha has played well in spots but gave up a long touchdown to Atlanta's Julio Jones last week.

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